I just bought a house—do I really need to rekey?

Yes. It's one of the most important things you can do before moving in. Previous owners, their family, real estate agents showing the property, contractors, cleaners—any of them could have copies. You have no way to know. Rekeying is quick, practical peace of mind.

Can you make all my locks use the same key?

Absolutely. This is one of the most popular requests. We can configure all your entry doors to use a single key. Most people love the convenience of one key instead of four.

How long does rekeying take?

Each lock is done professionally. A typical home with 3-4 exterior locks is completed in a single visit, including testing. We work efficiently but carefully—you'll have smooth-operating locks when we're done.

Will my insurance cover rekeying?

In many cases, if you're rekeying after a break-in attempt or related security incident, your homeowner's insurance may cover it. Check your policy or call your agent. We provide detailed invoices for insurance claims.

Lock Rekeying in Delaware | Kwikey Locksmith

Q: Should I rekey or replace my locks?

Rekey if your locks are in good condition and you just need to change who has key access. Replace if your locks are old, worn, low-security, or you want upgraded hardware like smart locks. Our technician will honestly tell you which makes sense for your situation—we don't push more expensive options if you don't need them.

0+ Years Experience

Certified & Insured

Fast Response Times

5-Star Rated

Delaware & SE Pennsylvania

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Diagnose First

We inspect each lock's condition first—no point rekeying a lock that's worn out and needs replacing

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Upfront Pricing

Transparent diagnostic quote before we start, covering as many locks and keys as you need

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Fix It Right

Precision work that ensures your locks operate smoothly with the new keys

Problems We Solve

Signs You Need to Rekey

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You Just Moved In—Who Has Keys?

The sellers, their realtor, old roommates, contractors, cleaners, neighbors with 'emergency' copies—you have no idea how many keys exist. The only way to know you control access is to rekey.

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Lost Keys = Lost Security

Those keys you lost last month? Someone might find them. If your address is on your keychain (or findable from your car registration), you have a problem. Rekeying makes lost keys worthless.

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Someone Who Had Access Shouldn't Anymore

Roommate moved out, relationship ended, employee let go. Asking for keys back doesn't ensure they didn't make copies. Rekeying is the only way to be certain.

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You've Handed Out Too Many Copies

Over the years, you gave keys to family, friends, pet sitters, house sitters, Airbnb guests... Now you've lost track. Rekeying gives you a fresh count: you have all the keys.

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Contractor or Service Worker Had Access

You gave the renovation crew a key for two months. Are you 100% certain no one made a copy? Rekeying after major work is smart peace of mind.

Close-up of a locksmith rekeying a lock cylinder using tweezers and a pinning kit

verified Certified (DE-LCK-19805 / PA-HIC-15820)

Need Lock Rekeying?

Call us for prompt, professional service across Delaware & Greater Philadelphia.

phone (302) 551-2550 Get a Quote arrow_forward

Our Process

How We Rekey Your Locks

1

Schedule at Your Convenience

Book online or by phone. We offer professional appointments when available, or schedule at a time that works for you.

2

We Come to You—Or You Come to Our Shop

Mobile service to your location, or bring your locks to our Wilmington shop if you prefer. Either way works.

3

Inspect and Quote Before We Start

We examine each lock to confirm it's in good condition for rekeying, explain the process, and give you a transparent diagnostic quote.

4

Precision Rekeying

We reconfigure the internal pin pattern so the lock only responds to new keys. The old keys? Completely useless metal.

5

New Keys, Full Testing

You receive your new keys (as many copies as you need), and we test every lock to ensure smooth operation. If you want one key for all doors, we set that up too.

Why Choose Us

Why Rekeying Makes Sense

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Hardware Preservation

Maintain your existing high-quality or decorative hardware while achieving a total security reset. Most major residential and commercial brands are fully rekeyable.

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Restricted Key Control

Experience superior security. We can install restricted keyway systems where unauthorized duplication is impossible without original authorization credentials.

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Operational Continuity

Security upgrades should not disrupt your flow. We coordinate our work to ensure minimal impact on employee productivity and client access.

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Commercial Grade Hardware

We deploy high-durability Grade 1 and Grade 2 hardware designed to withstand high-volume traffic while maintaining strict security tolerances.

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Trusted Professionals

Serving Delaware & Greater Philadelphia

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Service Features

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Keeps your existing hardware—no need to replace locks
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Efficient alternative to full lock replacement
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Professional service in most cases
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Every old key instantly becomes useless
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One key for all your doors (optional)
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Works with virtually all residential lock brands

Client Testimonials

Customer
Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Google

"Lost my house keys at the park. Kwikey rekeyed all the locks that same evening so the missing keys became useless. Five locks rekeyed, five new keys, all in about 90 minutes."

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Charles F. Glasgow, DE

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Google

"Rental property turnover between tenants. Had Kwikey rekey all locks and install new deadbolts as an upgrade. Efficient job, professional service, and now the unit is ready for new tenants. My go-to locksmith now!"

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Ed P. Darby, PA

Verified

Google

"Just bought my first home and wanted all the locks rekeyed plus new deadbolts on both doors. Tech explained my options, installed quality hardware, and gave me one key for everything. Peace of mind achieved!"

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Helen W. Elsmere, DE

Verified

Google

"After a divorce, needed locks rekeyed professionally for safety reasons. Kwikey came within hours, did all 4 exterior doors, and was discreet about the situation. Sometimes you need more than just a locksmith. Thank you."

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Joan S. Hockessin, DE

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Google

"Historic home with original skeleton key locks. Kwikey was able to rekey them without replacing the antique hardware. Maintained the character of our home while improving security. Very impressed with their skill!"

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Margaret L. Phoenixville, PA

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Google

"Our office was rekeyed after employee turnover. Kwikey handled 12 doors including file cabinets and set everything to one master key. Clean and professional work on every cylinder."

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Mark K. Greenville, DE

Verified

Google

"Just bought a new home and had Kwikey rekey every lock the same day we closed. All seven locks now use one key. Fast, affordable, and gave us instant peace of mind."

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Nathan S. Elsmere, DE

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Google

"Just moved into a rental near the University of Delaware. Landlord approved getting locks rekeyed for safety. Tech arrived same day and did all 4 exterior doors in under an hour. Peace of mind and excellent service!"

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Patricia L. Newark, DE

Verified

Google

"Roommate moved out and I needed the locks changed immediately. Kwikey rekeyed all three exterior doors in under an hour. Only I have keys that work now."

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Robert X. Pike Creek, DE

Verified

Google

"Just moved into a new house and wanted all the locks rekeyed. The technician was very thorough, explained everything, and gave me a fair diagnostic quote. Will definitely use Kwikey again!"

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Sarah K. Newark, DE

Verified

Google

"Lost my house keys somewhere downtown. Rather than worry about who might find them, I had Kwikey rekey all my locks that evening. Practical peace of mind. Better safe than sorry!"

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Wendy U. Ridley Park, PA

Verified

Google

"Property manager who rekeys between every tenant. Kwikey handles our portfolio of 30 units efficiently, usually completing five or six in a single visit. Consistent quality every time."

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William B. Brookside, DE

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Frequently Asked

Lock Rekeying FAQs

Should I rekey or replace my locks?

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Rekeying is a precision procedure that alters the internal logic of your lock cylinder, rendering old keys useless while maintaining your existing hardware. We recommend replacement only if your hardware is structurally compromised, mechanically fatigued, or if you require an upgrade to high-security or smart-locking platforms.

What are bump-proof or pick-resistant locks?

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These locks have special pin configurations that defeat common lock-picking techniques. Brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock are excellent options. We recommend them for front doors and any entry visible from the street.

What grade of deadbolt should I use for my home?

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We recommend Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts for residential use. Grade 1 offers the highest security and is what we install on most homes. Grade 3 is builder-grade and adequate for interior doors only. Let us assess your needs.

I just bought a new home. Should I change the locks?

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Maintaining 100% key control is the primary objective of any new property acquisition. Because you cannot verify the chain of custody for existing keys—potentially distributed to contractors, real estate agents, or previous associates—we recommend a professional rekey as a Day 1 security priority. This is the most efficient method to ensure your family possesses the only authorized credentials.

Is it better to rekey or replace locks in a new home?

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Rekeying is often a smart choice for new homeowners, as it changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. However, if the hardware is damaged or outdated, replacing the entire lock with high-security deadbolts is recommended for maximum protection.

How can I secure my sliding glass door?

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Sliding doors are vulnerable points. We recommend a security bar in the track, anti-lift pins in the frame, and a sliding door lock that engages at multiple points. We install all of these and can assess your specific door.